Safer internet day 2016

So, from what is showing up online, February 9, has been dubbed “Safer Internet Day” by someone, somewhere. Safer Internet Day needs to become more popular and gain better recognition. Here is one thing, which it’s safe to say, that must go viral. This would be nothing but a good thing, too. There can not be too much awareness made about online scams, bullying, etc., and the internet needs to be made safer, especially for children. The more that people understand that not everyone online is well-meaning, the better off we will all be. There are so many links, images, and other outrageous things that people share on social media, and most of them border on the absurd.

Here’s a little history about Safer Internet Day from the “official” web site – www.saferinternetday.us :

“…Safer Internet Day, an awareness-raising campaign that started in Europe more than a decade ago, is now celebrated in more than 100 countries. Globally, it’s coordinated by the Brussels-based Insafe Network for the European Commission and is marked on the second Tuesday of February each year. For Safer Internet Day 2016, we’ll host a livestream event at the Globe Theater at Universal Studios Hollywood…

Safer Internet Day gained official recognition in the U.S. in late 2012, with a joint agreement between the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the European Commission to work together to build a better Internet for youth. The U.S. celebration got a big boost in 2013, when Insafe appointed ConnectSafely.org as the U.S.’s coordinator going forward.”

Here are some quick tips you can use to keep yourself and your family from having an unsafe experience online:

Don’t give out any of your personal information to anyone. If they don’t already know you, they definitely don’t need to know any more about you.
If an email lands in your spam folder, chances are it really is spam. Leave it there unless you’re definitely sure that it came from a reputable source.
Don’t share a link or picture unless you where it came from or where the link will lead. If you do encounter a funky site as a result of clicking one of these links. Stop immediately and perform a virus scan on your computer.
You’re NOT going to get a share of anyone’s lottery winnings, nor are you going to help to heal the sick baby by clicking, no reputable manufacturer is going to give you their product for life, and don’t pass on chain emails.
If you have to “Like” and “Share” someone’s pic or post to get your “reward”, then stop right there. It’s a red flag, and it’s a scam.
The best approach to take is that if something seems too good to be true online, then chances are it is. Don’t fall for it, not matter how strong the temptation is, and definitely don’t pass it along. Be part of the solution. Snopes.com is a great source to find out about hoaxes, internet scams and other online vandalism. Check it out and start training your mind to look for red flags, and other things which can tip you off to a potential scam. We’re only as safe as we allow ourselves to be.

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